Best Kept Lil Secret

Did you know the Best Lil' Pork House in Corte Madera now has brunch on weekends? One day running morning errands I saw a big sign announcing brunch from the freeway and thought that "I've got to try this!". Turning around swiftly at the next exit, I headed back. 

I popped in the entrance and the friendly staff seated me right away and noticed that even in the morning there are trays of popcorn and peanuts waiting on all the tables. There are new pool tables in the bar area.

I chose the ham and eggs that day which is basically scrambled eggs with chopped ham and cheddar cheese accompanied by potatoes, fruit and well-buttered thick Texas toast ($11.95). The eggs tasted real (as opposed to hotel free breakfast eggs I've been having lately) and I was satisfied with this weekend morning comfort food. The service was prompt, the place was clean and the staff checked in with me at appropriate intervals. All in all it was a great start to my day.

There are now three locations, the original San Rafael, the Corte Madera, and later this month Alameda. The Corte Madera location is the only one serving brunch at this time.

Best Lil' Pork House
60 Madera Blvd.
Corte Madera, CA 94925
(415)927-RIBS

2042 4th Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 457-7675

523 S Shore Center West
Alameda, CA 94501

www.bestlilporkhouse.com

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Something new in Corte Madera!

SEA Thai Bistro has opened in Corte Madera where the old "Simmer" was located. I've heard the sister restaurant in Petaluma is awesome, so I hope to visit soon and confirm the same of this new and exciting venue.

Lunch is good too

I've always had breakfast at the Corte Madera Cafe, it was high time to try it for lunch. And on such a lovely fall day, and it so near the charming old town area.

I noted after tasting my Iced Chai that this place has consistently made drinks good enough for me to take extra note. This was delicious!

The lunch menu is quite simple with sandwiches, salads and burgers, and of course the breakfast offerings still available. I thought to try their veggie burger with fries, which is made with a Bocca patty. It was great. I liked the fresh Kaiser bun and the little extra crispness of something added to the french fries. The salads I observed passing by looked fresh and generous. Corte Madera Cafe is worth a visit for a casual and delicious lunch as well as breakfast.

It was such a beautiful day that I had to capture a couple views of the outside near the restaurant. There is a lovely small park and gazebo near the larger parking lot. I also noticed that the end of the parking lot is near some charming boutiques and shops that I had previously thought were fairly inaccessible up the windy hill. Now that's a cool find!

Across the street is a charming bus stop with a sign letting you know that this is "Old Corte Madera Square". The browning of the leaves is about as much as we get in this mostly sunny, sometimes rainy area as far as showing the fall turning.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0

Noncritical: 0

Last inspected: 6/11/2008

Previously reviewed:
May 27, 2008
September 18, 2006

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Custom built burgers in Corte Madera

The new burger place, replacing the old McDonald's in Corte Madera Towne Center has opened. It is called "The Counter" and it's been so busy I didn't see a way in until a couple days ago. There are greeters outside the door that orient you to the concept and guide you to a seat inside. Since the ordering is a little more complex, and hopefully rewarding, its a good thing that they get you oriented.

Thinking it would be nice to try their 'half-and-half', which has several choices of combination, I decided to order the half fries, half onion strings combo. Little did I know it would be enough for a family of 4! I didn't eat even half of this and I credit this dish with making me feel sick after I left, continuing through to the following morning. It was just too grease-laden. The onion strings were a vehicle for transporting oil soaked deep fried batter to your mouth. And the exceptionally slow service also figured in to me over indulging in these. This dish took a long time to come out, and the by the time my burger came out (it seemed like a VERY long time) these were totally cold. The fries and burger need to be served close to the same time! This dish was served with ranch dressing and barbecue sause as dips, and the barbecue sauce was rather good with it.

To place the burger part of the order you are given a clipboard with lots of choices to tick off with one of the pencils in a box at your table. I chose a veggie burger in a honey wheat bun, with Guyere cheese, mixed baby greens, tomatoes, carrot strings and grilled onions. The grilled onions were actually caramelized and very good. In fact, just ordering a heaping plate of these would have been a better option! The burger is served with a knife, guess why? I'm supposing because with all the toppings, and the softness of the veggie patty, you can't really eat it in your hands. I picked up the burger gently and the soft, crumbly veggie patty flung off chunks of itself onto my plate. I didn't even get one bite. I ate the rest with my knife and fork. The veggie patty itself tasted good. The bun wasn't anything to write home about, so I also just ate half of it. Overall, I don't think the food and experience were consistent with a $16.79 + tip price for the above pictured food plus an iced tea.

Restaurant Inspection Results

The Counter has not yet been inspected.

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Another fine catch

We had a little celebratory dinner with Glen and Jessica at Pacific Catch the other evening. Celebrating wellness after that bout with H1N1. Glen was instrumental in keeping things going during that period at the house and we wanted to thank him.

The usual table treats were brought over after we were seated.

Jessica chose an appetizer for her main, Seared Ahi Macadamia. The ahi was sprinkled with toasted macadamia nuts, and it was accompanied by a mango salad with Thai style citrus sauce. She said it was great!

I had the Tokyo Salmon, which was basically salmon fish & chips, which were hot and tasty. The fish was really meaty and solid. I opted for regular fries instead of the sweet potato fries.

Glen thoroughly enjoyed the BBQ Unagi (Japanese Eel) Wasabi Bowl. Along with the eel, a generously sized bowl of sushi rice was topped with wakame salad, avocado, daikon sprouts, cucumber, ginger, sesame seeds, shredded nori and soy-wasabi sauce.

Dad enjoyed his regular Fish & Chips with Sweet Potato Fries, cleaning up his whole plate and asking for dessert!

So I had the Mochi Fondue, with several flavors of mochi ice cream cut up and ready to dip in a fudgy chocolate sauce.

Jessica enjoyed a dainty single Mochi Ball, coffee flavored.

Dad went for broke with this special Dulce de Leche with ice cream special. I tried a bite, and it was special!

I'm not sure but that Glen chose the best, the Passion Mango Cheesecake. He said it was great, and it looked very densely delicious. The service was good, the food as well and we were happy.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0

Noncritical: 0

Last inspected: 5/22/2009

Previously reviewed:
April 24, 2008
February 18, 2008
January 25, 2007

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Early Father's Day brunch

Holidays such as those honoring our parents seem to fill up the restaurants with noisy hordes. My father is uncomfortable around noisy hordes since at 88 he has trouble hearing and trying to make sense of all the inputs around him. So it seemed the perfect solution to celebrate Father's Day a bit early. So we tried Il Fornaio's Sunday brunch in Corte Madera yesterday. And it was the right thing. Besides the food, Dad loved the friendliness of Alberto our waiter, not feeling rushed and of course, being able to carry on a good conversation.

We were delighted to see freshly squeezed juices on the menu. Dad enjoyed his small fresh orange juice.

While I was ecstatic over the taste of freshly squeezed grape juice. It bears no resemblance of the purple stuff in the store. It reminded me of my Uncle Jim and Aunt Dorothy's ranch where they grew grapes, and squeezed them fresh for juice in the morning as a special treat. I would come back just for this.

Dad was in the mood for Pancakes with pure New England Maple Syrup, and noted how good these fresh Italian flapjacks are.

I had a special Eggs Benedict - sauteed spinach, poached eggs and fresh crab cakes on filone bread with lobster cream sauce and parmesan; served with potatoes and caramelized onions.

I was impressed that the waiter inquired how done I'd like my eggs. I chose medium. I loved my breakfast. It all melded together and just burst with flavor. I was so impressed with how beautiful the eggs looked, I had to take a close up. The cantaloupe and strawberries were was at their peak and the fruit was a nice finishing touch. Dad enjoyed his early Father's Day all the way through, and Alberto was so kind and thoughtful to my father which also added to his delight with the outing. This is a wonderful place to treat anyone.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 0
Noncritical: 2
Last inspected: 4/24/2009

Previously reviewed:
December 3, 2008
December 21, 2006

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Surprise breakfast place

Dad & I were surprised to find that Boudin SF in Corte Madera, not only serves breakfast and dinner, but it also opens for breakfast prior to the opening of the mall where it is located. The woman behind the counter where orders are placed was most pleasant. She struck the perfect note of cheer for getting started in the morning.

I tried the Vegetable Scramble, which was perfectly cooked and chock full of a rainbow of colorful vegetables. It was great, the potatoes were seasoned and had a nice flavor too. However the pièce de résistance was the bread. Multi-grain goodness and fresh baked taste. It was wonderful.

Dad similarly enjoyed the Turkey and Broccoli Scramble. He was particularly happy that the portions weren't oversized as at some places. He declared it just right for him. We both thoroughly enjoyed the unexpected breakfast find.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 0
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 2/25/2008

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Warm and Festive

I used to go to Il Forniao in San Francisco fairly often for lunch when I worked in the Financial District. I liked the food. There is an Il Forniao closer by in Corte Madera, and it seemed like a good evening to stop in yesterday. The first thing to say is that if you want to get in a warm and festive holiday mood, you've got to put this place on your agenda this season. It is all decked out for Christmas, and very tastefully done.

Dad and I ordered off the "Best of Festa" menu that celebrates the best of the Festa Regionale. We both started with the Zuppa di Zucca from Lombardia. This is a butternut squash and russet potato soup with sage and onions, topped with a sfilatino crouton and taleggio cheese. It was delicious, and the sage made a perfect top note. Sorry the photo is a little blurry. I think the camera has trouble focusing on white in the dark.

Dad wanted chicken, so he ordered the Pollo alla Val d'Ostana from Val d'Aosta. Some things just don't photograph so that they look as mouthwatering as they are. You can't see it in the photo, but off to the left the chicken breast tapers up to a bone. I kid you not, my 88 year old Dad got away with the whole thing and was gnawing on the bone! This was breaded boneless chicken breast (the rest was indeed boneless) filled with fontina and wrapped with imported Italian ham, sauteed with sage and Dijon mustard sauce and served with mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach.

I had the Salmone Ostia Antica from Lazio. I was impressed with how perfectly cooked the entire salmon was considering it was wrapped around four spears of asparagus. It was cooked just the right amount whichever direction you sampled. The dish was billed as Salmon with fresh asparagus, baked with artichokes, capers and lemon, served with sauteed spinach and mashed potatoes. I decided that sauteed spinach is a wonderful holiday side as it is so green and glossy! It also tasted good sauteed with some sliced garlic cloves. The mashed potatoes are better pictured in the photo of Dad's dish, and they tasted like clouds! So wonderfully balanced and light. This was a fabulous meal from the impeccable service to the delicious regional specialties.

Previously reviewed:
December 21, 2006

An old favorite dish

On yesterday's dreary day in Marin, with the all day cloud cover and mist, I longed for an old favorite. And I'd just had a wonderful time talking over coffee with a good friend around the corner at Barnes & Noble's in-store Starbucks. And the coffee was free. Not far down the way is La Maison de la Reine.

I had to have the Vegetarian Imperial Roll and Fried Tofu Vermicelli. This is one of my favorite Vietnamese dishes. The thin rice noodles are mixed with cut up fresh vegetables such as cucumber, lettuce and carrots, while topped with a number of goodies. I had the vegetarian version. You can read more about the versatile bun here. The staff was pleasant yet unobtrusive throughout, making it remain a great place to enjoy Vietnamese food in both atmosphere and taste.

Previously reviewed:
January 18, 2008
May 31, 2007
March 20, 2007

Still a good value

It's been a couple of years since I visited Tub Tim Thai, a little place across from the Pet Club in Corte Madera. Too long! I forgot what good things await inside. Not the least of which is a quiet and very kind man who takes care of you the moment you walk in.

The lunch specials all still start with a wonderful clear soup which has bits of freshness floating in it.

The yellow curry with shrimp was just perfect, and had potatoes and carrots in the curry sauce as well. And the spicing was just right. While enjoying lunch, Ann & Iris from a nearby table visited me noticing the photo taking. Ann has actually read my blog, and we had a nice conversation. Hi to Ann & Iris if they are reading this post.

Speaking of meeting people, this must be the week for it. I meandered into Sushi Ran in Sausalito yesterday evening before taking in War, Inc. next door and was by happy coincidence seated by an old friend I hadn't talked to in years, Toby. What a lucky woman I am!

Last reviewed:
October 13, 2006

Tried and True

Max's Cafe in Corte Madera has recently rolled back breakfast time to an hour earlier, so you can enjoy a big Max's breakfast 7 days a week from 7 a.m.

There are encouragements to eat all around, so if you're dieting - beware!

Dad's fancy was the Ham and Four Cheese Omelet with Hash Browns. There was nothing skimpy about this huge fluffy omelet with chunky slices of ham tucked throughout the center.

I remembered Jan's Eggs as being delicious and healthy. Made with all egg whites, it's not noticeable with the spinach, sweet onions and mushrooms scrambled in delicately. The portion was not lacking either.

The waiter warned us that the biscuits were still baking, and it would be a 10 minute wait if we wanted those as opposed to regular toast. Well, having had these before, we felt it well worth the wait. And it was. Large and fluffy they paired so well with a little butter melting into the center and some strawberry jam slathered on top. Max's has one of the best breakfasts in Marin, and for us it's a 'splurge' to go there with those large portions awaiting.

Previously reviewed:
October 23, 2006

Convenient and consistent

Chain yes, and consistently good food and value too. I have liked California Pizza Kitchen for a long time. In fact since it came to my neighborhood when I lived in Northern Virginia. And that was in the 80s.

Dad and I had 'linner' there a few days ago. Starting with their ever-tasty Dakota Smashed Pea and Barley Soup.

Next trying their light and crunchy Miso Salad. This is a new fav. Imagine the fiber and enzyme punch of shredded Napa cabbage with fresh avocado, julienne cucumbers, daikon, edamame, carrots, red cabbage, green onions, cilantro, crispy rice noodles and crispy wontons tossed in a Miso dressing.

We then went on to an old standard, Wild Mushroom Pizza with Cremini, Shiitake, Portobello and white mushrooms, Fontina and Mozzarella cheeses with a wild mushroom pesto. Garnished with chopped Italian parsley. Good food, good values here!

Still Open

Despite having a car run into the front of the building and breaking the glass, Corte Madera Cafe is still open and serving its great food with charm. Coincidentally, Dad & I had breakfast their just a few days before the unfortunate incident. The above is necessarily the 'before' photo.

I delayed this post a bit until I could go and check out the damage myself. As you can see, the window is boarded up and there was some damage to the side wall.

Management kindly left a note (click on image for larger view), and although closed for Memorial Day (when I stopped by), notes on the windows said it would be open as normal on Tuesday the 27th.

We enjoyed a friendly and leisurely breakfast one weekend morning, and Dad started with a hot cocoa which he thinks are the best here.

I had a soy latte which was definitely one of the best I've had.

Dad enjoyed the two scrambled eggs with turkey sausage and hash browns. He commented on the green herbs mixed in the hash browns which he thought was a nice way of upping the antioxidants.

I enjoyed the spinach, tomato, fresh herbs and feta scramble with the home fries that I remembered as perfectly done, and they were perfect again this time. And the home fries had a sweet pepper accent of yellow and red which went very well with my herbish scramble. The Corte Madera Cafe remains highly recommendable.

Previously reviewed:
September 18, 2006